Witch broomstick porch sign tutorial

Today I’m going to show you, step-by-step, how to make one of these super cute witch broomstick porch signs.

Let’s get started with the supplies you’re gonna need:

Supplies:

1×8 cut at 47″ (or a length to fit your stencil)
Dark Walnut stain
White paint 8 oz
Black paint 2oz
broom cut file (I got mine from DIY digital world’s Etsy shop)
vinyl- to make a stencil from your cut file
hand sander or sanding block (120 grit)
sponge paint brush
mini foam roller (optional)

Step 1: Staining your board

When your board has been cut to the desired length, stain the entire thing (including the back) Dark Walnut. I feel this kind of helps to seal the wood. This is how I stain all my projects. After you have stained your board, let it sit for at least 24 hours. I like to wait about 48 hours to be safe.

Step 2: Painting your board

Paint the front surface of your board white. I used a mini paint roller because it was such a large surface and I was painting multiple at a time, but you can use a sponge brush if that’s all you’ve got.

I rolled on about 2 coats of paint. Just make sure your board is coated well.

This is how I paint all of my projects: Quick dry painting technique even if I’m using a mini foam roller.

Set aside to dry completely before moving on.

If you haven’t already cut your vinyl stencil do so while you are waiting for your paint to dry.

Step 3: Prepping your board for the vinyl stencil

Now that your board has dried, you are going to sand it down. You want to get a nice even sand all over the front surface. This will smooth out the paint and make it easier for the stencil to stick smoothly.

Be sure and put a little extra focus on the edges and random places on the front surface. This will remove the paint and allow the stain to show giving it a little more of a weathered look.

After you have sanded it down, use a damp cloth or paper towel and wipe the surface off and make sure it is clean.

Step 4: Applying your vinyl stencil

Now that the front surface is clean, lay out your vinyl and make sure you know how you are going to place it on your board.

When you know the placement, begin to peel the paper backing off the top part of your stencil and fold it back. You only want a small amount of your stencil backing to be removed. Carefully lay it on your board and line it up so that it is in the correct place.

Press the stencil to the board firmly. Now slowly begin to peel back the paper backing while the stencil is held into place with the top part. As more and more of the stencil is exposed and paper is pulled down, press the stencil to the board. Continue this process until all the paper backing is removed and the stencil is in place.

Press firmly over the entire stencil before removing the transfer tape.

Carefully remove the transfer tape and make sure your stencil stays in place.

After the transfer tape is removed, press firmly on the stencil again, especially at the edges of the vinyl to make sure it has adhered properly.

Step 5: Painting your stencil

When you know the vinyl stencil is good and stuck to your board, paint a thin layer of white paint. Wait!…did I just say white??? Yep! You heard me right, black. This will help to make sure when you paint your stencil with the final color, it won’t bleed under the stencil. You will end up with cleaner lines and edges.